I would like to install a 1987 350 TPI engine into my 1987 Chevy S10 truck but I would like to use a carburetor instead of the TPI. Probably install the TPI at a later date when the conversion is sorted out. I want to use a mechanical fuel pump with the carb.

My question is...if I purchase an old 1987 F Body with the 350 TPI (to remove the engine for my conversion) will the engine block be machined for a mechanical fuel pump?

Was the mechanical fuel pump boss only machined into the 1987 305 LG4 carburated engine?

Summarizing my problem is this...I need a 1987 350 block with provisions for roller lifters/1-pc rear main that also has a mech. fuel pump boss.
Dennis Moore

 

I would suggest using the stock fuel pump and install a regulator, but look on the engine block if there is a block off plate bolted in the mechanical fuel pump spot then yes.

 

yes, the boss will be there, and yes, the pushrod hole will be drilled... the bigger concern would be whether or not the roller cam has a lobe to operate the pump... which it should- i once had an 87 Caprice 9C1 (cop car) that had what essentially was an F body L98 long block with a carb on it instead of the TPI setup... that car had a mechanical fuel pump and a roller cam... fast forward a few years, and i was putting a TBI 350 out of another 9C1 Caprice (a 92 this time) into my 74 Monte Carlo and i couldn't figure out why the fuel pump wasn't pumping fuel after swapping it in and hooking everything up.. that factory installed roller cam didn't have a fuel pump lobe...

 

The reason why I ask is because I am a Mercruiser Marine engine mechanic and we (Mercruiser) needed to start installing electric fuel pumps on carburated small block chevy engines in the late 1980's because, although the block was cast with a fuel pump boss, GM was not machining the push rod hole or the threads.

As I am sure you all know, GM discontinued all carburators after 1986 (1987 they went with 100% fuel injection) except for the 1987 LG4 305.

I was pretty sure that the 1987 350 TPI did not have the push rod hole machined so i decided to ask you guys on the Third Gen.org forum.

I would guess that if the engine has a block off plate then that would indicate that it was machined. GM would never install a block off plate for no good reason.

I will be installing an aftermarket roller camshaft with a fuel pump eccentric.

 

Not quite. G-bodies had what they called an L69 in the 1988 model year.